2014 Djuan Piper

LNH Notes: First, it’s important to recognize the relationships in this recruitment. Louisville’s Rick Pitino will bring in another Seattle player this summer and has drawn on the talent at Piper’s high school before.

This summer, Rick Pitino will do so again when Piper’s Rainier Beach teammate Shaqquan Aaron joins the Cardinals.

Djuan has the look of a player that would fit very well with what Gopher coach Richard Pitino is trying to do. Piper is a long, active defender with quickness to score at the rim in transition. With Austin Hollins graduating this spring, Minnesota could use help defensively and Piper is a guy who can guard multiple positions.

The Gophers certainly could use a big man in their 2014 (more so than a wing) and at first glance Piper may look similar to incoming JUCO wing Carlos Morris. However, whereas Morris can be expected to provide some offensive punch for Minnesota once he steps on campus, Piper is a guy who the staff could help develop over time.

There’s enough talent there, his skill set fits in well with Minnesota’s game plan and with Austin Hollins in his final season, Piper would provide another strong defender and potentially a jack-of-all-trades type (with ability for an occasional highlight dunk like Austin).

Other Notes:
+ Plays high school ball for powerhouse Rainier Beach (Seattle, WA)
+ Rainier teammates Shaqquan Aaron & Elijah Foster played alongside Gopher-commit Josh Martin this summer for Seattle Rotary (Piper has run with Rotary in the past as well, but not in the EYBL)
+ Aaron is committed to play for Louisville & Richard Pitino’s father.
+ LNH has seen Piper in person.